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Pelosi Applauds Path to Marine Sanctuary Expansion

Dec 20, 2012

Press Release

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) announcement that it will begin a public comment process for expanding the boundaries of the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Banks National Marine Sanctuaries off the northern California coast:

“Our nation’s oceans and coasts are among our greatest ecological treasures. As stewards of our planet, we must protect the health of our oceans and the jobs that rely on it, ensuring they are preserved and sustainable for generations to come.

“NOAA’s announcement begins a process that in the next two years can expand these sanctuaries by more than 2,000 square nautical miles, protecting waters off the Sonoma and Southern Mendocino coasts which contain one of only four coastal upwelling zones on our planet.

“Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey has long led the fight to preserve these biologically productive waters, along with our distinguished Senator Barbara Boxer. Today’s triumph is a tribute to the passion and perseverance of Lynn Woolsey, and this expanded sanctuary will stand as a fitting capstone to her distinguished career defending our coastal heritage.”